I love my heels. When I force my foot into that unnaturally slim fitted shoe and unsteadily stand up, I feel, quite frankly, pretty awesome. Heels give you confidence. They make you feel like a royal princess gliding around on the ballroom. Or like a badass that will won’t hesitate to slam you in the shin if you mess with her. Or like a girl who is proud of her body because let's be real, heels make your ass and legs look hella good.

But those heels have a time limit before my feet simply refuse to be squeezed in that preposterous vertical position, getting jabbed and rubbed in all the wrong places. At that point, I replace my elegant black heels for my worn black chucks. But don’t be fooled, I look just as good when I’m four inches shorter standing on a flat sole.

Cannes, “the most prestigious film festival in the world,” was hosted this May in France for their 71^st season. A prestigious event that carefully selects who is invited and can walk the “glitzy, star-studded red-carpet premieres.” It is safe to say, the Cannes film festival is a pretty elaborate and important event.

And like all fancy gatherings, you want to look your best (besides, for these folks, they literally have all eyes on them). There is a crazy amount of pressure to ensure you are wearing (or sponsored) by the largest brands and look, well, perfect. Anything less is apparently unacceptable. And Cannes makes sure of that.

While the festival director, Thierry Fremaux, claimed that heels were not outlined in the dress code, past examples of multiple women being rejected for illegitimate shoe wear, would greatly dispute that claim. Cannes Red Carpet has high expectations, and high heels are one of them (officially or not).

Yes, while heels look incredible and can be fun to wear, that does not justify their requirement. And no, I am not overreacting. I don’t see men being forced to balance on six-inch sticks. Heels greatly inhibit an individual’s ability to function independently. Climbing stairs in stilettos? No thanks. Walking long distances? Nope. Wearing them more than three or four hours? Nah, dude. Heels have an expiration date. Women shouldn’t be mandated to wear them beyond that.

And some women are making a point of declaring their resistance. Kristen Stewart, an actress known for her amazing rebellious acts, slayed the Cannes Red Carpet this year. But not before stopping and removing her Louboutin shiny black heels before climbing the stairs. Last year Stewart said, “If you’re not asking guys to wear heels and a dress, then you can’t ask me either." Yaas girl!

I agree that a dress code should be recommended for events like this to ensure the formality of the Red Carpet. It is a big event, and that means fancy clothes. But heels are not necessary to make someone look beautiful in their flowy, red dress. Some nude fitted flats would also do just fine.